What happens if academics at different career levels are deputed to various government departments? A lot of good, argues the author.
I think it is time to articulate a grand vision for Indian science. But at the same time, we need to be cognizant of the barriers. Our approach has to strike a fine balance, avoiding the twin pitfalls of a) dreams unanchored by reality or b) of being too mired in the present and its challenges that one loses sight of bigger objectives. We need to find the right vehicle that can carry the vision ahead without getting derailed.
When a researcher conducts scientific studies in a geographical area, what exactly is the impact of that research for the residents of that area? How can a scientist make his or her work more relevant for such people? Anne Toomey presents a case study from Bolivia that is surprisingly close to sentiments expressed by Indian ecologists and environmentalists.
In these days of specialization in every field, it has come as a bane of the teaching profession that those, who are otherwise erudite, do not have the flair to impart knowledge to others, thereby defeating the very purpose of education.
